Shanders worked over the last six months to earn her Certified Personal Trainer license through the National Association of Sports Medicine. Through this course she gained a wealth of knowledge that has contributed to new aspects of Maplewood residents’ physical therapy routines. Shanders has also taken over as the Wellness Coordinator, holding bi-weekly wellness classes. As part of her new duties, Shanders will oversee the overall operations of the Therapy and Wellness departments. She will develop and oversee wellness and exercise classes for attending residents. She will also be the contact person for any therapy-related issues to ensure the needs of the residents are being met.

“I’m excited to take on this new responsibility and look forward to providing the best quality of service to our residents,” Shanders said. “This has opened up the door for us to look at the way the department was running before, where we are now, and what we hope for the future. Our residents benefit from being part of an exercise program and we are constantly trying to find new ways to accommodate their needs and desires. We like to keep things fun and exciting, making our gym a place our residents look forward to coming to.”

Hired in 1994 as a certified nursing assistant trainee, Ms. Shanders was a high-school student when she received her CNA training at Maplewood. Since then, she has worked at Maplewood part time and per diem, and full time since 2008. Shanders resides in Walworth, and was recently named as CNA of the Year for District 9 of New York State Health Facilities Association.